From alfresco barbecues to farm-to-table concepts, the best restaurants in Marrakech showcase the city’s rich culinary heritage and innovative flavours. In fact, Morocco is becoming well-known the world over for its creative food scene, both for its homegrown chefs like Mourad Lahlou, Faycal Bettioui and Hassan M’Souli who have lent their talents to kitchens near and far, earning plaudits and Michelin awards aplenty, but also for attracting big names to delight at its local dining tables. In turn, the influence of well-known chefs such as Hélène Darroze, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the Alejmo brothers at some of Marrakech’s best-known restaurants has inspired and invigorated the homegrown dining scene, with new, casual and more formal restaurants opening in Marrakech week in and week out.
Few things make Marrakshis happier than seeing guests eat well, and from dawn to dusk you’ll find the dishes keep coming until you protest. In the morning, fluffly beghrir pancakes come drizzled with cactus-flower honey; lunch might be a bowl of split-pea soup or a tender pile of slow-roast lamb served with khobz (bread); and, in the evening, a signature seven salad starter might be followed by saffron-scented chicken and couscous or an unctuous tagine of lamb and artichokes. And, don’t forget the kaab el ghazal cookies, the dessert bastilla (pastry drenched in orange-blossom cream) and mint tea and cookies. Here are the best restaurants in Marrakech.
Farmers, Marrakech
Courtesy FarmersFarmers
Located in the heart of Gueliz, Farmers opened earlier this year and is based around a “farm-to-fork” philosophy. Ingredients are organic and largely sourced from Sanctuary Slimane, a thriving permaculture farm located in the southeast of Marrakech. Thoughtful additions, including capers handpicked in the Atlas Mountains and then pickled locally, are also sourced from regional producers. The resulting dishes are fresh and punchy, including grilled baby gem topped with cured egg yolk and smoked broccoli doused in ginger scallion oil. Be sure to give their cocktails a try too – the Sbagliato is particularly refreshing, blending sweet vermouth with Campari and prosecco.
Address: 96 Rue Mohammed El Beqal, Marrakech
Amal Center
Founded by Nora Fitgerald Belahcen, the Amal Center is a non-profit organisation that was established in 2012 in order to train disadvantaged women. Over 300 women have completed its training programmes to date, and the centre has even opened up its own restaurant. Set in a casual courtyard spot in the trendy neighbourhood of Gueliz, Amal Center’s menu is seasonal and changes daily. Fridays are particularly popular, with dishes focusing solely on hand-rolled couscous. On other days, guests can expect richly spiced, slow-cooked lamb tagine and crispy chicken pastilla.
Dining and Cooking